Lee Crawford Chew, died at the Rouse in the early morning of Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022, after battling bravely and without complaint an extended battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Born on Aug. 20, 1941, Lee was raised in Washington, Pa., by his parents the late Harry Chew and Frankie and Bob Knisely.
He graduated from Chartier Houston High School and he went on to wrestle at Clarion University where he received his bachelor’s in English and secondary education. He also received his master’s degree in educational administration from Penn State University.
Lee moved to Warren to begin his teaching career in 1964. He fell in love and married his wife, Laura (Hanlin) Chew, and they created a beautiful life together over the next 54 years. They had five children of their own and opened their home to many foster children and former wrestlers/students who simply needed a loving home to be in. He leaves behind a legacy of people who will miss him so deeply, especially, Ralph Chew (Lori), Heidi Osborne (Mark), Caryn Ryan (Matt), Derek Chew (Kelly), Kathleen Haslett (Luke); granddaughter, Dena Penley (Steve); and foster daughter, Roxanne Larson (Don); one sister, Byllye Montalto. Lee and Laura have 19 grandchildren, who meant the world to him. He also leaves behind many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews who love him dearly and have countless stories to tell of fun-loving Uncle Lee.
If you didn’t know him as Dad or Grandpa, you most likely knew him as Mr. Chew, no matter how many years ago you had him in school. Mr. Chew was a high school English and speech teacher at Warren Area High School for 38 years, from 1964-2002. He loved teaching and telling stories. He also was passionate about extracurricular activities and sports and the role they play on a child’s development. For this reason, he was faithfully devoted to Warren High School athletics. He was an assistant wrestling coach from 1964-68, head coach from 1969-82, and then the athletic director from 1994-2002. He was a wrestling referee from 1962-92. He also found time to help with the production of school plays and was a Varsity Club advisor throughout his career. He loved and supported all high school events and never missed a home game during his time as athletic director, but wrestling was his passion, which lives on in his sons and grandchildren.
While his tenure at WAHS was so important to him, he also gave his most precious gift – time – to other causes throughout his life and after retirement. He took care of people’s lawns. He was an active member at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church where he served as an usher, lector, pastoral council member, and was chairman of the building committee when Holy Redeemer was rebuilt to the beauty it is today. He was an active member of Kiwanis and the Warren/Forest Chapter of PA Association of School Retirees, where he served as president of both of these organizations.
Lee had fun no matter what he was doing, but golfing, particularly at his favorite course, Blueberry, was certainly one of his favorite things to do. He loved watching all sports, not just high school athletics, and would cheer on his favorite teams: Penn State, Notre Dame, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Lee was a dear friend to many, a strict but caring teacher/coach, a loving husband, an extraordinary dad, a fun and goofy grandfather, and the best dog owner to his many dogs, for whom he always carried treats in his pockets. To say he will be missed is an absolute understatement.
Please join the Chew family to tell your favorite Mr. Chew stories at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East St., Warren, PA., on Sunday, August 28. from 6-8 pm A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Redeemer RC Church, 11 Russell St., Warren, Pa., on Monday, Aug. 29, at 11 am with Father Stephen Schreiber, pastor, officiating, assisted by Deacon Raymond Wiehagen. A luncheon will follow in the church center directly following the Mass. Interment will be in St. Teresa RC Cemetery, Union City, Pa. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in his name to Warren Sports Boosters, PO Box 304, Warren, PA. 16365, Paws Along the River, 212 Elm Street, Warren, PA. 16365, or Holy Redeemer Catholic Church Building Center Fund. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com.
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